Better Together Revelation 5.9-10

Every People Group And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Rev. 5.9-10 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” Rev. 10.11

In the beginning "`Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness....' So God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them" (Gen. 1.26- 27)

 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17.20-23

Samaritan Woman

Harvest As the crowds emerged from the village Jesus said to the disciples,“Why would you say, “The harvest is another four months away’? Look at all the people coming---NOW is harvest time! For their hearts are like vast fields of ripened Grain---ready for a spiritual harvest.” John 4.35

Antioch Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13.1 Barnabus: born & raised in Cyprus (Gentile colony) Simeon: from Niger (literally means “black”) Lucius: Cyrene (today: Liberia) Manaen: privileged upbringing, Gentile Saul: Tarsus (Asia Minor)

Peter eating with the Gentiles

Galatians 2.20 My old self (identity) has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Rev. 5.9-10

Some small steps 1. Attend the Better Together conference. Aug 21-23. In Illinois. https://vineyardusa.org/better-together 2. Educate yourself:   Dynamic Diversity by Bruce Milne Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson Beyond Racial Gridlock by George Yancey. 3. Plan to eat together—Table Fellowship